World Report

May 15, 2017

Hempstead Spring Revival

Spring revival meetings were held April 9-16 at the Apostolic Faith Church in Hempstead, New York. The theme verse was Ezekiel 37:4, “O ye dry bones, hear
the word of the Lord.” During the opening message, the minister took his text from Ezekiel 37:1-3 referring
to Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones which lived again. He compared it to Jesus’ mission to restore hopeless situations regardless of the circumstances.
Following the service, the Spirit of God could be felt throughout the sanctuary as many lifted their hearts in prayer to Him.

That evening was devoted to music, with selections from the orchestra, the adult choir, the youth choir, and some of the senior members. The evening began
with the orchestra playing “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” followed by the choir singing “All Hail King Jesus.” A young ladies’ quartet sang “I’m Winging
My Way Back Home.” A seniors’ group, including the pastor, Alfred Ikotun, sang “Through the Love of God, Our Savior.”

On Wednesday evening, a male quartet sang “Lord, Send a Revival,” setting the tone for the service. The minister took his text from Job 14:7, bringing
out that there is restoration for every hopeless situation through Jesus. He stated that Jesus won the battle on the Cross when He declared “It is
finished.” The minister encouraged the congregation to bring all their needs to Jesus.

The message on Thursday evening came from John 11:40, and emphasized how Jesus encouraged Martha to have faith that she would witness the glory of God.
In the same way, those who are seeking something from God must also believe and step out in faith.

On Good Friday, the message brought out that just as the graves of some were opened when Jesus died on the Cross, Christians who have become dry in their
spiritual lives can be revived if they will earnestly seek God in prayer.

Victorious testimonies were given throughout the week, telling of miraculous deliverance and answers to prayer. One man told of God’s intervention on his
immigration status even though he had made arrangements to return to Nigeria. Another testified of being healed, and an elderly woman told of calling
on the Name of Jesus and being delivered from the enemy when he attacked her in her sleep.

Easter Sunday proved to be another wonderful service, with over one hundred in attendance. Hearts were blessed on Sunday morning as the choir opened with
“Ten Thousand Years.” Brother Alfred took his text from Psalm 119:89, emphasizing the validity of God’s Word. His message revolved around the theme,
and God’s instructions to the prophet Ezekiel to speak to the dry bones so they could live again. He also brought out that Jesus calmed the raging
sea, and He will bring peace in every stormy situation to those who look to Him.

The special meetings concluded on Sunday evening with a dramatic presentation of “Three Rusty Nails,” presented by the Sunday school departments. Again,
there was an excellent turnout, with 103 in attendance. The program began with the choir enthusiastically singing “Hosanna, Hosanna.” The children’s
recitations brought big smiles from the audience. The first scene of the drama was about a beggar asking for alms, but then he was healed by Jesus
and received his sight. The backdrop was a small hardware store owned by a Jewish man who doubted that Jesus was the true Messiah. When three rusty
nails were purchased from his store to nail Jesus to the Cross, the owner’s disappointment and shame was portrayed through his interaction with others.
The play concluded with the glorious resurrection of Jesus, and the excitement of the unbelieving store owner, who then professed that Jesus really
was the true Messiah! The program ended with the combined choir singing “Christ Arose.” Afterward, many made their way to the altars to pour their
hearts out to God.